Fiat ICR 42 Ildrovolante

Classic Airframes

Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale Fiat ICR 42 Ildrovolante is available online from Squadron

This will be a very limited review of a limited run kit of very limited production aircraft type.  In fact only one CR 42 with floats left the production line of Costruzioni Meccaniche Aeronautiche S.A. (CMASA, a Fiat affiliate).  It flew for the first time in early 1941.  This aircraft was designated the ICR 42.

This Classic Airframes ICR 42 contains the all the pieces to make the CR 42 fighter, plus additional parts to make a very nice pair of floats and attachment struts. 

The instructions may create confusion if this is a modeler’s only Classic Airframes CR 42 purchase.  The instruction sheet for the fighter is included, with the incorrectly positioned cabine struts, parts B5 and 17.  The new set of instructions for the ICR 42 show them in their correct “V” shape position.

One aircraft ever produced, one set of markings.  What could be simpler?  To make it even easier, the aircraft is in basic, over-all Aluminum.   Although the instructions do not indicate, I would presume that the bottom of the floats would have been in the anti-fouling black. 

The decals provide for four sets of fasces on a white background.  The instruction notes that it is not positively known if they were carried on the bottom of the lower wing. 

There are a set of decals for the tri-color fin and rudder. Note that the tri-color is not oversized.  Unlike French rudder stripes, the Italian tri-color extended forward onto the fin. 

The House of Savoy crest is printed on the tri-color decals.  Personally, I prefer items such as the Savoy crest to be separate, so as to allow me to paint the tri-color stripes, and then apply the crest.

No question about it, the Classic Airframes ICR 42 will have limited appeal.  But I find it very appealing. 

In bright aluminum with the simple tri-color tail, I believe that, sitting on its floats, it will make it an eye-catching addition to any collection. 

Don’t forget to put a bit of weight in the nose of the floats.  Otherwise, it may look like it is sitting back on its heels when placed on a shelf.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the review sample.

Classic Airframes kits are available worldwide through hobby retailers and from Squadron.com

Review and Images Copyright © 2005 by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
Page Created 13 May, 2005
Last updated 12 May, 2005

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